Fastening-handling mechanism



- 2 Sheets-=Sheet 1 Jan; 8, 1924.

' J. GOULDBOURN ET AL FA STENING HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Mv. 5,v 1920 FASTENING HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 5, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet a Patented Jan. 8, 1%24.

JOSEPH GOULDBOURN AND WILFRID THOMAS MINETT, OF LEICESTER, ENGLAND,

ASSIGNORS TO UNITED SHOE MACHINERY CORPORATION, OF PATERSON, NEW JER- SEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

FASTENING-HANDLING MECHANISM.

Application filed November 3, 1920. Serial No. 421,496.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, Josnrrr GoULnnoUnN and lVILFRm T. MINETT, subjects of the King of England, residing at Leicester, Leicestershire, England. have invented certain Improvements in Fastening-Handling Mechanisms, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings indicating like parts in the several figures.

This invention relates to machines for handling fastenings and particularly to ma: chines in which metallic fastenings separated from the source of supply are pneumatically transferred to a position where they are to be utilized. Machines ofthis general type are disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 1,268,357, granted June 1-, 1918, on application of Jerram & Keall, and in United States Letters Patent No. 1,360,442 granted November 30, 1920, on application of iv. T. B. Roberts.

Objects of the invention are to provide simple and effective means for controlling the air blast in machines which utilize compressed air for transferring fastenings from the separators to driving position; to provide in such machines means affording ready access to the air conduits for the removal of obstructions therein; and to provide means for the convenient removal and correct relocation of part-s of the machine containing the air conduits.

The present invention is shown herein as embodied in a hand method lasting machine constructed as shown and described in the above-mentioned Roberts patent and having a gripper and a wiper for working successive portions of the upper into lasted position, and means for inserting in each cycle of the machine two fastenings of one kind, two fastenings of another kind, or a single fastening of either kind, as required by the condition of the work and the part of the upper being lasted. For this purpose the machine is provided with two pairs of raceways, the kind of headed fastenings or tacks supplied by one pair of raceways being different from the kind supplied by the other pair of raceways, four separators, four conduits leading from the separators and terinducted by the separators.

tion shown, only one or two conduits are I employed at one time for the transfer of tacks, it is undesirable to admit the air to those conduits through which no tacks are being transferred since such air is not only wasted but by allowing such waste the im pulsive effect of the air in the conduit or conduits through which tacks are being transferred is reduced.

Accordingly a feature of the invention consists in a machine arranged to separate in each cycle one or a plurality of fastenings and to transfer to driving position the separated fastening or fastenings each through a separate conduit by means utilizing compressed air, of means for concentrating the effect of the air in the conduit or conduits in use in that cycle.

Another feature of the invention consists in a machine organized to separate at will one or a plurality of either of a plurality of kinds of fastenings, and to transfer the separated fastening to driving position by means utilizing compressed air, of means for concentrating the effect of ,the air upon the fastening or fastenings to be transferred.

As shown herein the machine is provided with two pairs of raceways and a separator for each raceway, each pair supplying fastenings of the same kind and of a different kind from those supplied by the other pair, so that if both separators of a pair are operated two fastenings of the same kind will be separated and delivered to separate but adjacent delivery points, namely the two tack pockets of the tack block or wiper. Conduits lead one from each pair to one delivery point and one from each pair to the other delivery point. Means is provided for supplying air under pressure only to those conduits into which fastenings have been Preferably air is impressed on all of the conduits and normally closed valves are provided one for each conduit which valves are arranged each to be opened when the corresponding separator has separated a fastening. As herein shown the construction relating to each valve mechanism comprises a raceway for fastenings, a reciprocating separator 00- operating with the lower extremity of the raceway, a cover for the raceway having an air conduit or conduits, said cover being arranged for movement out of position in order to expose the raceway, a valve in the cover to control the air last by which the separated fastenings are propelled from the separator to the position in which they are to be utilized, and a driving connection for operating the valve by movement of the separator such that the connection is established' by movement of the cover into position on the raceway and is broken as an incident to its removal.

A further feature of the invention consists in improved means for affording ready access to all the several air conduits with which the machine is provided to facilitate the removal of possible obstructions to the passage of fastenings throijigh them. As herein shown the part of the machine having the conduits, through which the fastenings are propelled by the air blast, is, for t ie major portion of its length, made in two pieces or portions which are pivoted to gether so that one-of the portions may be moved to expose the air conduits which are preferably formed half in one portion and half in the other, a locking device being provided for holding the portions together.

Still another feature of the invention'consists in a novel construction and arrange ment of parts to afford proper support for the carrier or bracket which contains the air conduits to enable the receiving and delivery ends of the conduits to be alined with co-operating parts of'the machine and to provide for convenient removal of the bracket and correct relocation of it in the machine. Relatively movable co-operi 5 supporting mcn'ibers mounted respectively on the bracket and on the frame are provided to allow proper positioning of the bracket to aline the conduits with the separators andtack block which members may then be clamped against movement to support the bracket and permit removal of the bracket and its relocation without disturbing their setting. As shown herein one of the anemhers is a stud and the other a sleeve mounted the one on the frame and the other on the bracket and either thesleeve or the stud, for example the sleeve, is so supported that it can move freely laterally and angularly, in the initial setting of the bracket in the correct position on the frame, and can then be locked in position to constitute a firm support for the bracket and remain undisturbed as to setting when the bracket is removed from or replaced on the frame.

These and other features'of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, and will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side view partly in section of the head of a machine embodying the present invention Fig. 2 is a plan view partly in section of the raceway covers and valve mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a front elevationof the raceway and fastening separating mechanism;

Fig. 4: is a plan view of the bracket containing the air conduits;

Fig. 5 is a sectional detail of the mechanism for supporting the bracket shown in Fig. ion the frame;

F 'ig. 6 is'a detail of parts shown in Fig. 4; and

Fig. 7 is a. sectional detail of the block through which the fastenings are delivered to the tack block or wiper of: the machine, the tack block being shown in dotted lines.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings is-shown, in side elevation, the head of a machine emhocying the present invention constructed in general as fully disclosed in the prior application above referred to, to which reference may be had for explanation of such parts and their mode of operation as is not fully given herein. The numeral 2 indicates the column on which the frame 4 on the machine head is mounted. The gripper 6 has imparted thereto the closing, updraw, overdra-w, lateral and plaiting movements usual in machinesof the hand method type as disclosed, for example, in United States Letters Patent No. 584,744. The-machine is organized to supply one or a plurality of tacks toithe tack pockets provided in the reciprocating tack block and wiper S to be driven by a plnralit of drivers 10, the machine in this respect being similar to those disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 1,007,051, granted Oct. 31, 1911, on an application of Arthur Bates and No. 1,197,60-l, granted September 12, 1916, on an application of Alfred Chaplin. Since, as usually organized, two tacks may be driven in each cycle by these machines they are known as twin tack machines.

The machine disclosed in the patent to Roberts above referred to is organized to drive two tacks of one kind, two tacks of another kind, or a single tack of either kind, at the will-of the operator, and a similar construction embodying the present invention is herein shown. In this construction four raceways 12, 14; 16 and 18 (Fig. are provided each of which has a separator 20. The separator for the raceway 14 is shown in Fig. 3 where the separator for the raceway 12 is shown as covered by a plate 22, the separator for the raceway 16 is removed to show a plate 24 on which the separator slides and adjacent to the plate 18 the raceway is broken away to show a gate plate 26 which is provided with an opening opposite each raceway and is operated once in each cycle to pass between each separated tack and the next one in the raceway to ensure that the separated tacks remain upright. The separators 20 for the raceways are arranged for independent operation by connection respectively to bars 30, 32, 34, 36 guided for reciprocation in brackets 38 and 40. Another bar similarly mounted is connected at one end by an arm 44 to the gate plate 26 and at its opposite end carries a cross bar 46 arranged to be engaged by any one of the bars 30, 32, 34, 36 so that the plate 26 will be operated whenever any one or more of the separators is moved. A spring 48 mounted on the bar 42 between a fixed collar 50 and the bracket 40 serves not only to retract the plate 26 but also to retract the separators by action on the bars 30, 32, 34, 36 through the cross bar 46.

The four raceways 12, 14, 16 and 18 are covered by two covers 52, 54 each of which covers two raceways. The covers 52, 54 are hinged at their upper ends on a pivot member 56 extending horizontally across the raceways, the pivot member being hollow and connected by a tube 58 to an air pump 60. the air blast from which is conducted into the hollow pivot member 56 and passes from the same through ducts 62, 64, one in each of the covers 52, 54. These ducts 62, 64 each separate at the lower end of the covers into two branches 66, 68 terminating each in a cylindrical valve chamber 70 extending parallel to the separator actuat ing bars 30, 32, 34, 36. There are hence four valve chambers 70, two in each of the covers 52, 54. In each valve chamber 70 is a valve member 72 which has a passage- 74 (Fig. 1) extending transversely through it to co-operate with a port 76 in the wall of the valve chamber 70, the port being just above the point to which the corresponding separator moves a tack when it withdraws a tack from the raceway. The valves are moved axially of the chamber 70 to establish and interrupt communi .ation between the corresponding ports in the chamber wall and for this purpose there is provided a compression spring 78 confined between one end of the valve and a fixed plug 80 introduced into the valve chamber, the spring normally holding the valve against the end of the valve chamber adjacent to the end of the valve remote from the spring in such a position that when the valve is against the end of the valve chamber communication between the corresponding ports in the chamber wall is interrupted. The covers 52, 54 have slots 84 eX- tending parallel to the valve chambers through each of which there extends from each valve, perpendicularly to its axis, an arm 86 which lies in the path of an arm 88 extending upwardly from the correspond ing one of the separator actuating bars 30, 32, 34, 36. The construction is such that each separator bar actuates not only the separator but the valve which is located over it to cause alinement of the passage 74 in the valve with the corresponding ports to permit the air blast, which is preferably timed to occur when such alinement is effected, to transfer a tack through the proper conduit to the tack block 8. With this construction the discharge of air is limited to that tack conveying conduit, or those of the four, the separators and valves of which in the particular cycle of the machine are brought into operation.

The arrangement is such that when either of the covers 52, 54 is elevated the arms 86 projecting from the valves in the cover merely rise clear of their actuators 88 which remain undisturbed. The valves therefore do not in any way interfere with the ease with which the raceways may be exposed to view.

The separators and their associated parts are supported upon. the machine frame and a vertical passage 90 is formed below each of the separators, Each passage 90 is connected with one of a plurality of tack tubes 94, 96, SS'and 100 which are arranged to conduct the separated tacks to openings in a tack delivery block 101. The tack tubes are carried by a bracket 102 which is provided with an opening arranged to receive a supporting stud 104 whereby the bracket may be inserted in position by a lateral movement. An arm 106 pivoted to the machine frame (Fig. 1) has a threaded opening to receive a screw 108 and the end of said screw is arrznged to bear upon a lug projecting from the bracket. 102 so that when the screw is turned the bracket will be clamped in position with the ends of the tubes 94, 96. 98, 100 properly alined with the ends of the vertical passages 90. A part 103 of the bracket 102 (Fig. 1) is formed with contacting faces which co-operate with correspondingcontacting faces on the frame to ensure proper location of the tack tubes in alinement with the passage 90 through which the tacks are delivered to them. The lower ends of the tack tubes are connected with a plate 110 (Fig. 7) which is received in a recess formed in the tack delivery block 101. Immediately below the plate 110 two passages are formed in the block 101 0pposite the ends of the tubes 94, 98, which passsages unite in a single passage 112 adapted short tacks.

to discharge tacks into one of two tack pockets in the tack block 8 when the latter is in its rearmost position. The block 101 is also provided with two passages opposite the ends of the tubes 96, 100 which unite in a single passage 11 1' adapted to discharge tacks to the other tack pocket of the tack block '8. It will be seen that the racew'ays are arranged in pairs. The raceways 12, '14- of one'pair both preferably supply tacks of the same kind, for example long tacks, and "the raceways 16, 18 of the other pair both supply tacks of a kind different from those supplied by the first pair, for example The conduits 9-1, 96 from the first pair terminate respectively in the delivery openings 11.2, 11 1 -oftlieblock 101 and the "conduits 98, 100 from the other pair terminate respectively in the same delivery openings. Therefore, when the separators of the first pair of 'r-aceways are-operated by movement of the rods 30, 32 two long tacks will be separated, the 'correspending valves 7 2 of that pair will be opened, and the two tacks will be blow through the delivery openings 112, 11 1 one into each of the tack pockets in the tack block 8. Similarly,

when the separators of the other pair of raceways are operated by the rods 3 1, 36 two short tacks will be blown through the same delivery openings 112, 11 1 to the'ta'ck pockets. Of course it only one separator of either pair of raceways is operated only one tack of the kind supplied by that pair will be separated and transferred and only one valve will be opened. The block 101 in which the passages 1'12, 114 are formed is provided, in order that it may be conveniently removed. with a threaded shank 116 which passes through a hole in the lower portion of the bracket 102 and is provided with a nut to secure it in position.

The tack tubes or conduits 9 1, 96, 98, .100 for the major portion of their length 'between the separators and the tack delivery block 101 are formed partly in plate 118 fast on the tube carrying bracket 102 and partly in a plate 120 hinged to the plate 118. The bracket 102 carries a swinging a rin 122 which. when the machine is in operation, extends over the plate 120 causing it to seat firmly on the plate 118. The arm 122 is preferably provided with a spring plunger 12 1 6) having a conical en'd adapted to engage arecess in the plate 120 and yieldingly hold it in position. To expose the conduits to 'removeanyobstruction, or for any other purpose, it is only necessary to swing aside the arm 122 and lift the hinge plate 120, whereupon the major portion of the length of the four conduits is exposed to view.

The tube-or conduit carrying bracket 102 is, as above described, supported and positioned by the stud 10 1 and the clamping ar m 106. It may sometimes happen that the stud 10a is somewhat out of its proper position or somewhat inclined to the position should occupy. To enable the bracket 102 to be properly located in the under these conditions, the bearing portion or the bracket 102 into which the stud 10 1 extends is formed in a sleeve 126 which is provided midway m"- itslength with a lenticulai. transverse boss 12'? having opposed convex faces adapted to co-operate with disks or washers 128, 130 encircling the sleeve loosely and having outer flat faces and inner concave faces of the same curvature as the convened t cos of the lcntieula'r boss and adapted to co-operate with them. The outer flat face of the washer 128 is adapted to seat on a fiat flange 132 a and one end of a chamber 134 in the bracket 102 within which the sleeve 126 and the washers 128, 130 are housed. The sleeve 126 projects past the flange 132 out from the bracket toward the stud 104, the fi ire being formed to give amplecleara'nce L11 1 The chamber 13% which o. the sleeve. iscylindrical is of greater diameter than the washers 128, 130 and is closed at the end opposite the flange 132 by a screw plug 136 which can be screwed down to bind the boss 127 and the washers 128, 130"between itself and the flange 132, the plug; having a fiat face that bears against the outer flat 1 e of the washer 130.

, ith this arrangement, when the bracket is to be initialiy et in position the screw plug 136 is stacked oil and the sleeve 126 slipped on the stud 1041. The bracket 102 is then brought into the exact position which and the sieeve 126 is then locked in position i on thestud and to thebracket 102 by screwing down the screw plug 136 which, as be fore mentioned, binds together in position in the chamber 134; the "boss 127 and the two wz shers 1'28, 130 which latter, owing to the lenticular form of the boss, their concave faces, and their sn'ialler diameter than the chamber, always have their outer flat faces in parallel planes whatever the inclination arated' in each cycle of the machine, which mechanism will now be briefly described. A lever 11-0 is pivoted between its ends at 142 to a member 14 1 which is given a rocking-movement once in each cycle of the machine to cause the lever to engage one or more of the separator bars 30, 32, 34, 36. As shown the outer end 01 the lever is broadened so that in some of its positions the end will engage two of the separator bars and in other positions only one of the bars, the movement or" the lever about its pivot 142 determining which of the bars will be actuated in any given cycle of the machine. Two cams 146, 147 are provided which act through a yielding plunger 148 on the inner end of the lever 140 to cause its outer end to move into operative relation to one or two of the separator bars. One of the cams 146 may be controlled by a connection 149 to a hunter or edge gage 150 with which the machine is provided, and the other cam 147 may be connected to the pleater mechanism by means of a link 152, the cams being so designed and their connections so arranged that when the machine is operating upon the side of a shoe, at which time the edge gage 150 is moved back out of operative position and the pleater mechanism is out of operation, two short tacks will be delivered and driven. When the toe of the shoe is being lasted the pleater mechanism will be thrown into operation and the cam 147 will be moved to cause the lever 140 to engage one of the separator bars by operation of which a long tack is separated, delivered and caused to be driven by one of the drivers. When the heel end of the shoe is being lasted the edge gage 150 is brought forward into operative position and the cam 146 is thereby actuated to cause the outer end of the lever to be positioned so as to actuate both of the separator bars by operation of which long tacks are separated and delivered. Accordingly two long tacks will be driven to take care of the extra thickness at that part of the shoe.

If desired means may be provide as disclosed in the prior application referred to, to cause the machine, when operating on the side of a shoe, to drive two short tacks when the pleater mechanism is not used and to drive a single short tack when the pleater mechanism is employed.

Havin thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means under the operators control to separate in each cycle either one or a plurality of tastenings, separate conduits for the fastenings, and means utilizing compressed air to transter the fastenings, of means torconcentrating the effect Oil the air in the conduit or conduits having therein a fastening or fastenings to be transferred.

2.111 a machine of the class described, the combination with means Operating selectively at the will of the operator to separate in each cycle either one or a plurality of tastenings, separate conduits for the fastenings, and means utilizing com pressed air to transfer the tastenings, of means to exclude air from the conduit or conduits in which there is no fastening to be transferred.

3. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means selectively to separate in each cycle one or a plurality of fastenings, separate conduits for the fastenings' leading from the separating means to a plurality of delivery openings, means utilizing compressed air to transfer the fastenings, and means to admit air only to the conduit or conduits in which there is a fastening to be transferred.

4. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means to separate in each cycle one or a plurality of fastenings, conduits for the tastenings leading from said separating means to a plurality of delivery openings, means utilizing compressed air to transfer the fastenings, a valve for each conduit, and means for operating the valves to cause admission of air to the conduit or conduits in which there is a fastening to be transferred and to exclude air tromthe conduits in which there are notastenings.

5. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for supplying a plurality of a plurality of kinds of tastenings, means for separating the fastenings, conduits leading from the separating means to a plurality of delivery openings, means for producing a blast of compressed air for transferring the tastenings to the conduits from the separating means to the delivery openings, means for determining selectively whether a single fastening of either kind or a plurality of fastenings of either kind shall be separated, and means for excluding the air blast from each of those conduits in which there is no fastening to be transferred.

6. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of conduits leading to a plurality of delivery openings, means. for inducting into some of said conduits, at will, one or a plurality of either of a plurality of kinds of tastenings in each cycle of the machine, "means utilizing compressed air to transfer the fastening or l'astenings in the conduits to one or more of said openings. and means for excluding air trom the conduits into which no fastenings have been inducted.

7. In a machine of the class described, the combination of four conduits, two of the conduits leading to each of two delivery openings, means for inducting into one .or two of the conduits a fastening to be transferred through the conduits to one or two of the openings, means utilizing compressed air for effecting the transfer and means operating-to admit the air only into the conduit or conduits in which there are 'l'asten ings to be transferred.

8. In a fastening inserting machine, the combination of aplura-lity of pairs of raceways for supplying fastenings, a separator for each of the raceways, means for operat ing one pair of the separators to the exclusion of the others, conduits leading from the separators to separate delivery points, and means-for supplying air under pressure only to the conduits into which fastenings have been inducted by the separators.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combinationwith a tack block, of a plurality ofconduits for tacks, a member having openings in communication with said conduits,

'- pairs 'ofwhich openings unite each in a single opening through wh ch tacks are de-' rglivered to the tack block, 1neans- 'for causing a blast of compressed air'to act in said conduits, and means for concentrating the air blast upon one conduit of each pair.

10. In a machine of the class described, the combinationwith a tack block, of a plurality of conduits for tacks, a member having openings in communication with said conduits, pairs of which openings unite each in a single delivery openingthrough which tacksare delivered to the tack block, means for causing tacks to be impelled by compressed air through said conduits to the tack block, and means for closing one of the conduits leading to each delivery opening during the action of the air.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a tack block, of a plurality ofconduits for tacks, a member having openings in communication with said conduits, pairs of which openings unite each in a single delivery opening through which tacks are delivered to the tack block, means for causing tacks to be impelled by compresset air through said conduits to the tack block, and means for maintaining those conduits closed through which tacks are not to be impelled and opening those through which tacks are to be delivered.

12. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a tack block, a plurality of conduits for tacks, separators arranged for selective operation at will to induct tacks into some of the conduits, a member having openings in communication with said conduits, pairs of which openings unite each in a single opening through which tacks are delivered to the tack block, means for causing tacks to be impelled by compressed air through said conduits, valvesnormally closing all of the conduits, and means operated y t e s pa ato o op n ng th velvesiof ho ndu ts' hr ug hich ack e tab delivered.

said valves being normally closed, and ar ranged to be opened when tacks are separated by the separators.

14:. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of conduits for tacks, separators arranged for selectiveopen.

ation at will toinduct tacks into some of the conduits, a member having openings in corn m i i at wi said c dui s, pa r which openings unite each in a single opening through which tacks are delivered,means;

for causing tacks to be impelled by compressed air through said conduits, and means for excluding air from those conduits through which tacks are not to be impelled.

15. In a fastening inserting machine, the

combination of two pairs of raceways, each pair supplying fastenings of the same kind, a separator for each of the raceways, conduits from each pair leading to common delivery points, means for supplying compressed air to impel separated fastenings through the conduits, means for operating simultaneously the separators of one pair, and means for excluding air from the con 'duits of the other pair.

16. In a fastening inserting machine, the combination of two pairs of raceways, each pair supplying tastenings of the same kind and dii'lerent from the kind supplied by the other pair, a separator for each of the raceways, conduits from each pair leading to common delivery points, means for supplying compressed air to impel separated fastenings through the conduits, means for op erating simultaneously the separators of one pair, means for excluding air from the cons duits, and means operated by movement of the separators for admitting air to those conduits into which tastenings have been re leased by the separators.

17. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of raceways, a reciprocating tack separator foreach raceway arranged for rectilinear reciprocation, conduits leading from the separators to the tack delivering point, means utilizing compresesd air for impelling tacks through the conduits, and valves for controlling the passage of air through the conduits, said valves being normally closed, and arranged to be v1 (it) opened when the separators are reciprocated.

18. In a fastening inserting machine, the combination of a plurality of raceways for supplying fastenings of different kinds, a plurality of said raceways supplying tacks of the samekind, a separator for each of the raceways, means for selectively operating the separators for one kind of tastenings to the exclusion of the other separators, conduits leading from the separators to delivery points, means for supplying air under pressure to the conduits, and automatic means for cutting off the supply of air to the conduits not in use. 1

19. In a fastening inserting machine, the combination of two pairs of raceways, each pair supplying fastenings of the same kind and different from the fastenings supplied by the other pair, a separator for each of the raceways, conduits leading one from each pair to each of two delivery points, normally closed valves in said conduits, means for supplying compressed air to impel separated fastenings through the conduits, means for operating simultaneously the separators of one pair of raceways, and means operated by movement of the sepa rators for opening the valves in those conduits into which fastenings have been released by the separators.

20. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of raceways, a tack separator for each raceway, conduits leading from the separators to a plurality of delivery openings, each of which is common to a plurality of conduits, means utilizing compressed air for impelling tacks through the conduits, means for selectively operating one or a plurality of the separators, and means for causing the air to be efiective to force the separated tacks through the conduits and to exclude air from the conduits not in use.

21. In a fastening inserting machine, the combination of a plurality of raceways -for supplying tt'astenings of different kinds, a separator for each of the raceways, means for operating the separator which separates one. kind of tacks to the exclusion of the separator which separates the other kind or tacks, conduits leading from the separators to a common delivery point for tacks of different kinds, means for supplying air under pressure to all of the conduits, means for closing all of the conduits to prevent admisison of air to any of the conduits, and means for automatically opening the conduits into which fastenings have been inducted by the separators 2.2. In a fastening inserting machine. the combination of two pairs of raceways, each pair supplying fastenings of the same kind and different from those supplied by the other pair, a separator for each of the raceways, two conduits from each pair leading one to each of two delivery openings, means for supplying compresed air to impel separated fastenings through the conduits, means for operating simultaneously both separators of one pair to the exclusion of the sparators of the other pair, and means for excluding air from the conduits of the other pair.

23. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a raceway for supplying tacks, a separator for the raceway, a cover for the raceway having an air duct leading to a point adjacent to the separator, and a slide valve associated with the duct constructed and arranged to be opened upon tack separatin movement or" the separator.

24:. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a raceway for supplying tacks, a separator forthe raceway, a cover for the raceway having an air duct leading to a point adjacent to the separator, a slide valve in the duct, and connections between the separator and the valve acting to open the valve when a tack has been separated by the separator.

25. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a raceway for supplying tacks, a separator for the raceway, a cover for the raceway having an air duct leading to a point adjacent to the separator, a slide valve in the air duct having a projection, and an arm on the separator arranged to engage the projection and to operate the valve when the separator is moved.

26. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a raceway r01- supplying tacks, a separator for the raceway, a cover for the raceway having an air duct leading to a point adjacent to the separator, a valve in the air duct, a spring for maintaining the valve in closed position, and means on the separator engaging the valve and acting to move it against the spring when the separator is moved in tack separating direction.

27. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of a separator, a race-- way, a cover for the raceway arranged for movement out of position to expose the raceway, said cover having an air duct therein, a valve in the air duct to control the air blast by which tasteninns separated by the separator are propelled from the separator to the point where they are to be utilized, and a driving connection for operating the valve by movement of the separator such that the connection is established by movement of the cover into position on the raceway and is broken as an incident to its removal from said position.

28. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a raceway for supplying tacks, a separator for the raceway, a hinged cover for the raceway arranged to be lifted to expose the raceway and having an air Gil duct leading to a point adjacent to the sepa rater, a slide valve in the air duct having a projection, and; an arm on the separator aranged to engage the projection and to open the valve when the separator is given. its tack separating movement.

29. In a machine of the class described, the combinatioi-i of a raceway for supplying tacks, a separator for the raceway, a hinged cover for theracewayhaving an air duct formed in the hinge pintle and leading to a. point adjacent to the separator, a normally closed valve inthe air duct, and connections between the valve and theseparator to open the valve when the separator is moved in tack separating direction.

30. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a raceway torsupplying fastening-s, a separator for the raceway, a cover for the raceway having an air duct leading to a point adjacent to the separator, said cover being pivoted to permit movement thereof to expose the raceway, and a slide valve associated with the duct constructed and arranged to be opened upon fastening separating movement or the separator and to be moved with the raceway cover.

31. In a machine of the class described, the combination of araceway for supplying fastenings, a reciprocating separator for the raceway, a cover for the raceway hinged for movement to expose the raceway and having an air duct leading to a point acent to the separator, a slide valve in the air duct mounted for movement in the same direction as the separator and having a pro.- jection, and an arm on the SQl? ,u; -ator ar ranged to engage the projection and to operate the valve when the separator is mowed, said projection being arranged for move-- mem out of operative relation to the arm when the cover is moved to expose the raceway.

32. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a raceway for supplying taseeninga a separator for the. raceway, a cover for the raceway havinp an air duct leadingto a point adjacent to the separator, a hii'ige for said cover having a hollow hinge pin communicating with said duct, a valve he air duct, and means acting to open i valve when the separator is moved in tack separating direction.

la a machine or the class described, a

plurality of raceways, conduits leading from the raceways, and a plate covering the conduits for the greater portion of their length, said plate beinghinged to permit its being moved to expose the conduits.

34:. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of raceways, tack separators tor the raceways, a tack block, a bracket having two portions, and conduits leading trom the 1 ,eraeoa f-separators to the tack block, said conduits being formed for the greater portion of their length part in one portion of the bracket and part in the other portion, the portions 'eing separable to expose the conduits.

In a machine of the class described, a plurality oi raceways, tack separators for the raceways, a tack block, conduits leading from the separator to. the tack block, a bracket supporting the conduits, and a cover )late, said conduits being formed for the greater portion of their length part in the bracket and part inthe cover plate, said plate being hinged at one edge to permit its being raised to expose the conduits.

in a machine oil the class described, a plurality of raceways, tack separators tor the raceways, a tack block, a bra kethaving a lower portion and a cover plate, conduits leading from the separator to the tack block, said conduits being formed for the greater portion of their length part in a lower portion of the bracket and part in the cover plate, said plate being hinged at one edge to permit bein raised to expose the conduits, and means ror maintaining the plate in closed position. '7

37. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of raceways, tack separators for the raceways, a tack block, a two-piece bracket, conduits in the bracket leading from the separators to the tack block, said conduits being formed for the greater portion of their length part in one piece of the bracket and part in the other piece, one of said pieces being hinged at one edge to permit its being moved to expose the conduits, an arm mounted on the bracket to swing to and from position over the movable piece, and a spring pressed plunger in said arm arranged to engage one of the pieces and hold them y ieldingly in closed position.

38. In a machine of the class described, the combination with raceways and tack separators, of a tack block, a plurality of oonduits for conveying the tacks from the sep arators to the tack block, a bracket for sup 1 porting said conduits on the machine :Erame, relatively movable cooperating supporting members mounted respectively on the frame and on the bracket to allow proper positioning of the bracket to aline the conduits with the separators and tack block, and means for locking' the relatively movable members against movement to support the bracket.

39. In a machine of the class described, the combination with raceways and tack separators, of a tack block, a plurality of conduits for conveying the tacks from the separators to the tack block, a stud on the machine frame, a bracket supporting said conduits, a member in the bracket and movable relatively thereto having an aperture fitting said stud to permit the bracket to -be inserted into or removed from position by lateral movement, means for clamping said member in the bracket after it has been alined with said stud, and clamping means for securing the bracket in position.

&0. In a machine of the class described, the combination of fastener handling mechanism, a bracket having fastener conveying ducts and mounted on the frame of the machine, said bracket and frame having contacting faces, means to support and position the bracket on the frame comprising a pin and sleeve, the one in the bracket and the other on the frame, means for supporting one of the latter two parts so that it can move freely laterally and angularly in the initial setting of the bracket on the frame in correct position, and means for holding the movable one of said tWo parts so that it can remain undisturbed in subsequent removal and replacement of the bracket.

41. In a machine of the class described, the combination with raceways and tack separators, of a tack block, a bracket having a plurality of conduits for conveying the tacks from the separators to the tack block, a stud on the machine frame for supporting said bracket, a member in the carrier and movable relatively thereto having an aperture fitting said stud, and means for clam ing said member in the carrier after it has en alined with said stud.

42. In a machine of the class described, the combination of fastener handling mechanism, a bracket arranged to be removably secured in predetermined position on the frame of the machine, a fixed pin on the frame, a sleeve having a hole to fit the pin,

said sleeve being loosely mounted ,in the bracket and-having a lenticular enlargement between its ends, and means for locking the enlargement in position to hold the sleeve and bracket in predetermined position irrespective of variation in the angular and lateral positions assumed by said pin.

43. In a machine of the class described, the combination of fastener handling mechanism, a bracket having fastener conveying ducts on the frame of the machine, a fixed pin on the frame, a sleeve having a hole to t the pin loosely mounted in the bracket and having a lenticular enlargement between its ends, Washers on opposite sides of the enlargement having-outer flat faces and inner faces concaved to correspond to the curvature of the lenticular enlargement, and means for setting the washers against the enlargement to hold the sleeve in various angular and lateral positions determined by said pin.

4A. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of raceways, a tack separator for each raceway, conduits leading from the separators to a plurality of delivery openings, means for supplying compressed air to efiect transfer of fastenings in said conduits, means for selectively operating said separators to cause one or more tacks to be separated and delivered to said conduits, and means for excluding air from the conduits to which no fastenings have been delivered.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification.

JOSEPH GOULDBOURN. WIIJFRID THOMAS MINETT. 

